Bolton travel guide

Bolton Tourism | Bolton Guide

You're Going to Love Bolton

With a population of 141,331, Bolton is a must-see destination in England, United Kingdom. It is one of the most popular cities to visit in the country. Consider staying at least one whole day in Bolton to see all of its attractions.

Where to Eat in Bolton

If you’re looking for affordable options, Cross Guns (390 Blackburn Road) and The Cherry Tree (Chorley Road Blackrod) are great picks.

When to visit Bolton

Bolton in January
Estimated hotel price
£47
1 night at 3-star hotel
Bolton in January
Estimated hotel price
£47
1 night at 3-star hotel

How to Get to Bolton

Plane

Although Bolton doesn’t have its own airport, you can fly to Manchester Airport (UK) (MAN), which is located 17 miles from Bolton. The shortest domestic flight to Bolton departs from Belfast and takes around 55m.

Train

AccesRail is the most popular train carrier serving Bolton, followed by Avanti West Coast. The train journey from Bolton to Birmingham takes 2h 05m and costs around £34 for a one-way ticket. When coming by train from London, expect to pay about £86 for a 2h 46m trip. Located 2.0 miles from the city centre, Bolton Moses Gate is the busiest station in Bolton. Another popular train station is Bolton Bromley Cross, located 2 miles from the centre.

Car

Another option to get to Bolton is to pick up a car hire from London, which is about 173 miles from Bolton. You’ll find branches of GREEN MOTION and Turo, among others, in London.

Bus

Several bus lines operate bus routes to Bolton, including FlixBus, National Express and Megabus. From Leeds, the bus ride to Bolton takes 70 miles and will cost you around £7. From Liverpool, the ticket costs about £7 for a journey of 80 miles. Bolton’s bus station is located 0.3 miles from the city centre.

Plane

Although Bolton doesn’t have its own airport, you can fly to Manchester Airport (UK) (MAN), which is located 17 miles from Bolton. The shortest domestic flight to Bolton departs from Belfast and takes around 55m.

Train

AccesRail is the most popular train carrier serving Bolton, followed by Avanti West Coast. The train journey from Bolton to Birmingham takes 2h 05m and costs around £34 for a one-way ticket. When coming by train from London, expect to pay about £86 for a 2h 46m trip. Located 2.0 miles from the city centre, Bolton Moses Gate is the busiest station in Bolton. Another popular train station is Bolton Bromley Cross, located 2 miles from the centre.

Car

Another option to get to Bolton is to pick up a car hire from London, which is about 173 miles from Bolton. You’ll find branches of GREEN MOTION and Turo, among others, in London.

Bus

Several bus lines operate bus routes to Bolton, including FlixBus, National Express and Megabus. From Leeds, the bus ride to Bolton takes 70 miles and will cost you around £7. From Liverpool, the ticket costs about £7 for a journey of 80 miles. Bolton’s bus station is located 0.3 miles from the city centre.

Airports near Bolton

Airlines serving Bolton

Lufthansa
Good (7,044 reviews)
KLM
Good (1,334 reviews)
British Airways
Good (6,837 reviews)
SWISS
Good (1,588 reviews)
Delta
Excellent (7,936 reviews)
Turkish Airlines
Good (3,790 reviews)
Iberia
Good (2,698 reviews)
Air France
Good (1,446 reviews)
Austrian Airlines
Good (780 reviews)
United Airlines
Good (8,696 reviews)
Emirates
Excellent (3,215 reviews)
Qatar Airways
Good (3,563 reviews)
Air Canada
Good (9,244 reviews)
Scandinavian Airlines
Good (1,349 reviews)
Brussels Airlines
Good (346 reviews)
LOT
Good (1,069 reviews)
Finnair
Good (1,275 reviews)
TAP AIR PORTUGAL
Good (1,851 reviews)
Etihad Airways
Good (1,203 reviews)
ITA Airways
Good (967 reviews)
Show more

Where to stay in popular areas of Bolton

Most booked hotels in Bolton

Holiday Inn Express Leigh - Sports Village
3 stars
Excellent (8.5, Excellent reviews)
£69+
Astley Bank Hotel
4 stars
Excellent (8.3, Excellent reviews)
£67+
Ramada by Wyndham Chorley South
3 stars
Excellent (8.2, Excellent reviews)
£41+
Bolton Stadium Hotel
4 stars
Excellent (8.1, Excellent reviews)
£73+
Holiday Inn Bolton Centre
3 stars
Excellent (8.1, Excellent reviews)
£71+
Last Drop Village Hotel & Spa
4 stars
Excellent (8, Excellent reviews)
£88+

Hiring a car in Bolton

Hiring a car in Bolton costs £40 per day, on average.

You’re likely to save money by hiring your car at the airport: locations in the city are, on average, 18% more expensive than at Manchester.

Expect to pay £1.30 per litre in Bolton (average price from the past 30 days). Depending on the size of your car hire, filling up the tank will cost between £15.58 and £20.77. The most frequently booked car type in Bolton is Luxury (Volvo XC90 or similar). If you’re looking to save money, though, keep in mind that Compact car hire (Ford Focus or similar) is, on average, 62% cheaper than other car hire types in the city.

Hiring a car in Bolton costs £40 per day, on average.

You’re likely to save money by hiring your car at the airport: locations in the city are, on average, 18% more expensive than at Manchester.

Expect to pay £1.30 per litre in Bolton (average price from the past 30 days). Depending on the size of your car hire, filling up the tank will cost between £15.58 and £20.77. The most frequently booked car type in Bolton is Luxury (Volvo XC90 or similar). If you’re looking to save money, though, keep in mind that Compact car hire (Ford Focus or similar) is, on average, 62% cheaper than other car hire types in the city.

Bolton Travel Guide - View the KAYAK Bolton city guide for the best Bolton travel tips. To help you organise your Bolton trip ideas, this Bolton visitors guide provides travel information and trip tips about how to get there, where to stay, what to do, where to eat and more.